CAPTAIN fantastic George Horan was "made up" to have played a key role in Connah's Quay Nomads' historic night.

Much was made of Edinburgh striker Blair Henderson heading into the Scottish Challenge Cup semi-final, the 24-year-old netting over 30 times this season in all competitions.

But Horan, 37 on Monday, marked Henderson out of the game, before stepping up to calmly convert what proved to be Nomads' winning penalty to secure a 5-4 shootout success after 120 minutes of action finished 1-1.

The former Chester defender said: "It's great to get through for the club and for the lads.

"We deserved it in the end. We created some chances, hit the bar and the post, so I'm made up.

"We've come on leaps and bounds since Andy Morrison has come in.

"Hopefully there is more to come."

On shackling Henderson, who has received interest from the English Football League, Horan continued: "I knew I was going to be in for a hard time.

"We did our research on him and we know a couple of clubs have come in for him.

"He's a big lad, so I was happy to play against him."

After Michael Wilde missed the chance to win the shootout for Nomads, Horan converted the first sudden death spot-kick before John Danby saved Ciaran Diver's effort to secure victory.

"I always take them when they count," joked Horan, who seemed an unlikely candidate for the sixth penalty.

"I don't take many pens, but I'm made up to have scored.

"I knew I was going to take number six, I was happy to take it - I knew I was going to have to take one sooner or later the way they were going."

Nomads boss Morrison was also full of praise for Horan, declaring: "My 37-year-old centre-half has just dominated a player that the whole of football in the UK is talking about and watching."